Agenda - 12-09-2003-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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Rowan - Salisbury Schools ' 9 Efficiency Study CURRENT SITUATION Rowan - Salisbury Schools (RSS) is among the fifteenth largest school district in the State of North Carolina, with approximately 20,091 students. The FY 1999 -00 General budget is $131.9 million. Many of the challenges currently faced by the District are not unique to Rowan County. Some of them include: • Enrollment Growth —The District's enrollment has been steadily climbing at a rate of five percent between 1997 -98 and 1999 -2000. (Membership increased from 19,065 to 20,091) • Poor Student Performance —On the composite scores of reading, math, writing grade 4 and writing grade 7 for the North Carolina assessments, 73 percent of RSS students performed at or above grade level. SAT composite scores have increased by three percent over the last four years. • Outdated and Overcrowded Facilities — Currently, the District has 92 portable classrooms and many of its permanent facilities are outdated and overcrowded. As enrollment continues to rise, and the requirements for technology increase, the need for new and updated facilities is becoming more critical, • Teacher Shortage — Mirroring a national problem, RSS has had difficulty recruiting and retaining teachers, • Increased Accountability —Like all govemment agencies, school districts are being held increasingly accountable for their operations. This demand for accountability requires school districts to implement new statewide and local initiatives, and collect and report performance data to stakeholders. • Advancing Technology—New technologies offer the potential for new instructional strategies and increased efficiencies, but require an up -front investment. RSS has dedicated resources to ensure that all of its financial and student information systems are Year 2000 compliant SUMMARY OF COMMENDATIONS AND FINDINGS During the course of our review, the study team found many pockets of excellence for which the District should be commended, as well as opportunities for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations. Overall, the strengths of the RSS include: • Systematic alignment of curriculum standards, assessments, instruction, professional development and textbooks • A self-supporting food services operation • Site -based management for its custodial services operations Areas for improvement include lack of A current strategic plan that establishes performance measures and ensures resources are aligned with the overall goals of the District A performance management system that links employee evaluation and compensation to achievement of District goals Open communications between all stakeholders M I -3